The Town of Sunderland is located within Bennington County, in Vermont´s southwest corner. In recent years residents and visitors have branded this beautiful region nestled between the Taconic and Green Mountains as The Shires of Vermont. Located between Bennington, the South Shire, and Manchester, the North Shire, Sunderland is surrounded by mountains and enriched by the waters of the famous Batten Kill that runs through the valley. Sunderland and the towns around it have historically been a popular four season destination for those seeking an authentic Vermont experience. You’ll find canoeing, tubing, camping, mountain biking, hiking and skiing close by. All within a 4 hour drive from New York City, Hartford, Boston, Northern New Jersey and Canada.
Latest News and Announcements:
Vermont Primary Election – The Vermont Primary Election will take place Tuesday, August 13th. Polls will be open from 10 AM until 7 PM at the Sunderland Town Office Building located at 104 Mountain View Road. Click to view the Primary Warning, District 3 Sample Ballots and District 4 Sample Ballots. Please note, the Clerk/Treasurer’s office will be closed for other regular business that day due to the election.
Vermont Master Composter Course – Registration is now open through August 23 for UVM Extension’s Vermont Master Composter course, designed to teach the basics of backyard composting. The cost is $50 for Vermonters and $150 for out-of-state residents. Register by 8/23. To register or learn more, visit: https://go.uvm.edu/mastercomposter. For more information view the flyer.
Lost and Found – A Subaru car key was found recently near the Town Garage on Sunderland Hill Road. Please call the Town Office at 802-375-6106 to identify.
Public Meeting – The USDA Forest Service, Green Mountain National Forest is holding a public open house meeting for the proposed Velomont Trail – Manchester Ranger District project on Thursday, July 25, 4:30-6pm, at the Manchester Community Library, located at 138 Cemetery Ave. in Manchester Center, Vermont or attend virtually by clicking here. Please see the invitation here for more information.
Public Comment Period for Material Management Plan – The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) DRAFT 2024 Materials Management Plan (MMP) is posted on the Secretary of State List of Proposed Rules (number 24P019) for public comment. Please submit comments to Alyssa Eiklor Alyssa.eiklor@vermont.gov by 4:00 PM on Friday, July 19, 2024. You can review and download the Draft 2024 MMP and a summary of its key changes from the 2019 MMP on the Planning page of their website.
Property Taxes & Dog Licenses are Past Due – Property taxes were due Monday, April 15th. Late or unpaid amounts are subject to an 8 percent delinquency fee plus interest. Dog license fees were due April 1st. A current rabies certificate is required. Including penalties and late fees, neutered and spayed dogs are now $27.00, those that are not are $33.00.
Household Hazardous Waste – The new permanent household hazardous waste facility in Bennington opened for the season in May. Visit https://bcswa.org/hazardous-waste/household-hazardous-waste-appointment/ or call 802 442-0713 ext. 2 for an appointment. View the flyer for more information.
Burn Permits – Burn permits are required prior to burning without adequate snow cover. During dry conditions the State of Vermont may issue a red flag warning, which bans outside burning. Click here to access the State fire danger page. Contact the Sunderland Fire Warden at 802-375-2865 for a permit or more information.
Town Meeting 2024 Results and Annual Report – The annual Town Floor Meeting was held Monday, March 4th, 2024 at the Sunderland Elementary School for discussion and floor voting of public questions. All Articles presented at the floor meeting were approved. Australian ballot voting took place on Tuesday, March 5th, 2024 at the Sunderland Town Office Building. The results of the Town Ballot Articles and Elections may be found here and the Presidential Primary results by clicking here. Click here to view the combined minutes and results of the meeting. The 2023 Annual Report is still available. Copies may be picked up at the Sunderland Town Clerk’s office during regular office hours or call the office at 802-375-6106 to request a copy by mail. View a copy of the current report at this link: Sunderland Town Report for Year Ending June 30 2023.
Co-Existing with Bears – Please read the following updated information from Vermont Fish and Wildlife for tips on how to stay safe and successfully co-exist with the bears in your neighborhood: Bear coexistence PSA.
New Contractor Rules – Vermont statute now requires contractors that perform residential construction valued at $10,000 or more to register with the Vermont Secretary of State Office of Professional Regulation. The one year grace period for residential contractors to register with the State ends March 31st, 2024. Consumers should be looking to verify registration before making contractual agreements. Click on this link to learn more: https://sos.vermont.gov/
Fluorescent Lightbulb Ban – Mercury containing lightbulbs were banned from sale in Vermont starting February 2023 for screw based bulbs and in January 2024 for 4 foot fluorescent tube bulbs. Please view the fact sheet for more information and purchase and recycling options.
Town Office Update – The office is open for in person service Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. No appointments are necessary. The office personnel are also available to assist you via telephone and email during those hours. Please call 802-375-6106 or email town@sunderlandvt.org or assistant@sunderlandvt.org with your requests and questions. The office is closed on all State and Federal holidays.
WIFI Hot spot available at the Sunderland Town Office – Thanks to a generous donation from Microsoft and RTO Wireless, commercial grade WIFI Hotspot equipment was installed at the Sunderland Town Office Building. Microsoft/RTO reached out to the Vermont Public Service Department with an offer to provide and install public WIFI hotspots in rural locations in Vermont at no cost. Residents may access the internet for telehealth, remote learning and more from their vehicle while in the Town Office parking lot. More information about the program can be found in Governor Scott’s press release. Free WiFi is also available inside the Sunderland Town Hall, along with a computer that can be used during normal office hours.
Emergency Preparedness – To help Vermonters be prepared for an emergency situation, the Green Mountain Guide for Emergency Planning is a valuable organizational tool.
Emerald Ash Borer – The VT Urban & Community Forestry Program within the VT Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation has announced the emerald ash borer (EAB), has been confirmed in both Richmond and Shaftsbury, resulting in two new infestations. The vast majority of the Town of Sunderland is now either within the “High Risk Area” (10-mile radius from a known infested site) or the “confirmed Infested Area” (a 5-mile radius from a known infested site). You can view the most up to date map here. The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that attacks and kills 99% of all 3 species of ash trees found in Vermont. The larvae (the immature stage) feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. EAB has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees in North America since it was discovered in 2002. The first EAB infestation was confirmed in Vermont in 2018 and is now in 10 VT counties. For information and resources please visit the VTInvasives.org EAB page.
Front Porch Forum (local electronic forum where we post town information) Join at http://frontporchforum.com
Declaration of Inclusion – At their March 13th, 2023 meeting, the Sunderland Selectboard adopted the following statement: The Town of Sunderland condemns racism and welcomes all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or socioeconomic status, and wants everyone to feel safe and welcome in our community. As a town, we formally condemn all discrimination in all of its forms, commit to fair and equal treatment of everyone in our community, and will strive to ensure all of our actions, policies, and operating procedures reflect this commitment. The Town of Sunderland has and will continue to be a place where individuals can live freely and express their opinions.
